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The Rafah border crossing must stay open for 24 hours to facilitate the passage of Palestinians on both sides of the border, Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh said on Friday morning.

Abouel Fotouh — former presidential candidate, secretary general of the Arab Doctor’s Union and Strong Egypt Party founder —made a statement to journalists during his visit to Gaza heading up a medical convoy following Israeli attacks on the strip.

"I cannot but demand fully opening Rafah crossing to Palestinians on both sides all throughout the day to transfer medicines, food and equipment," Abouel Fotouh said.

"Although President Mohamed Morsy decided to open the Rafah border crossing permanently since the Israeli aggression on Gaza started Wednesday evening, there are a large number of buses with aid, food and medicine that are kept waiting at the crossing," he continued.

Abouel Fotouh stressed that the decision to open the crossing should remain under the control of the Egyptian and Palestinian authorities, and should not be subject to foreign pressures

"Egypt after the 25 January revolution became a strategic treasure for Palestine, Gaza, and the Arab Islamic nation," he added.

"After the people brought down the regime that allied with Zionists, Egypt will not accept aggression on Gaza and Palestine," Abouel Fotouh claimed.

A convoy that included 18 cars loaded with medical supplies and accompanied by 20 Egyptian doctors, seven pharmacists and six volunteers arrived Friday morning at the crossing en route to Gaza.